Cyprus records zero EU Blue Cards as Germany dominates skilled migration

Cyprus recorded zero EU Blue Card authorisations for highly skilled non-EU workers in 2024, according to Eurostat’s latest migration and asylum in Europe report.

The publication examines migration and asylum trends across the European Union, with a focus on migration flows, population by citizenship, migrant skills, international protection and irregular migration.

EU Blue Cards are work and residence permits for highly qualified non-EU nationals, designed to help EU member states attract skilled professionals in sectors facing labour shortages.

Eurostat data showed that around 78,100 highly qualified non-EU workers received an EU Blue Card in 2024, a combined work and residence permit for skilled professionals from outside the bloc.

Germany issued 56,300 EU Blue Cards, accounting for 72 per cent of all permits, making it by far the largest recipient country.

Poland followed with 5,900 Blue Cards, representing 7 per cent, while Hungary issued 2,900 permits, or 4 per cent.

France ranked fourth with 2,800 EU Blue Cards, also accounting for 4 per cent of the EU total.

By nationality, Indian citizens received the highest number of EU Blue Cards in 2024, with 16,300 permits, equal to 21 per cent of all cards issued across the EU.

Citizens of Russia were next with 6,700 permits, representing 9 per cent of the total.

Turkish national received 5,600 Blue Cards, accounting for 7 per cent, while Chinese citizens received 4,600 permits, or 6 per cent.

In contrast, Cyprus issued no EU Blue Cards in 2024, placing it among the EU member states with no recorded intake under the scheme.

Eurostat data also highlighted non-EU migration for study and research purposes, another key channel for attracting talent to the bloc.

Across the EU, 475,000 authorisations for study and research were issued in 2024.

Germany again led, issuing 131,000 authorisations, equivalent to 28 per cent of the EU total.

France followed closely with 118,000 permits, accounting for 25 per cent, while Spain issued 59,000 authorisations, or 12 per cent.

The main recipients of study and research permits were Indian citizens, who received 53,000 authorisations, representing 11 per cent of the EU total.

Chinese nationals followed with 44,000 permits, equal to 9 per cent, while Moroccan citizens received 23,000, or 5 per cent.

Citizens of the United States were also among the top recipients, receiving 22,000 authorisations, or 5 per cent.

For Cyprus, authorisations for study purposes increased to 3,512 in 2024, compared with 2,810 in 2023, indicating a year-on-year rise.

However, Cyprus recorded zero intracorporate transferee permits in 2024, according to Eurostat data on business-related mobility.

The publication also introduced an interactive data tool, allowing users to explore and compare migration and asylum indicators at both EU and national level.

Eurostat said the interactive edition provides visualisations and concise summaries to support analysis of migration patterns and policy developments across Europe.